Does a rat infestation pose a significant threat to my health?

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Yes, a rat infestation can pose a significant health threat to humans due to the various diseases and contaminants that rats can carry or spread. While rats themselves are not directly dangerous, their presence in and around your home can lead to serious health risks. Here are the main health concerns associated with a rat infestation: 1. Diseases Transmitted by Rats Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can be transmitted through direct contact with rat urine or contaminated water, food, or surfaces. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, or even death. Hantavirus: Hantavirus is carried by rats and can be spread through their urine, droppings, or saliva. People can contract the virus by inhaling dust particles contaminated with the virus. It causes severe respiratory illness and can be fatal. Hantavirus infection typically leads to symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing, which can develop into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Salmonella: Rats can carry salmonella, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contact with rat droppings or contaminated food and surfaces. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include nausea, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Rat-bite Fever (RBF): Although rare, rat-bite fever can be transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rats, or by handling their urine, feces, or saliva. It can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and in some cases, severe complications like organ damage. Toxoplasmosis: Though primarily associated with cats, rats can also be hosts for the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. If a rat is infected, it can pass on the parasite to humans via contaminated food or surfaces. Toxoplasmosis can cause flu-like symptoms, but it can be dangerous for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. 2. Physical Risks and Injuries Rat Bites and Scratches: If cornered or threatened, rats may bite. Rat b

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Rats carry and transmit disease.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Rodents in general are a health issue. Their droppings carry a multitude of diseases that pose a significant health threat to humans. Cleaning up after them takes special protective gear.